EP1454296A2 - System and method for biometric image capturing - Google Patents
System and method for biometric image capturingInfo
- Publication number
- EP1454296A2 EP1454296A2 EP02803311A EP02803311A EP1454296A2 EP 1454296 A2 EP1454296 A2 EP 1454296A2 EP 02803311 A EP02803311 A EP 02803311A EP 02803311 A EP02803311 A EP 02803311A EP 1454296 A2 EP1454296 A2 EP 1454296A2
- Authority
- EP
- European Patent Office
- Prior art keywords
- biometric
- temperature
- platen
- heater assembly
- prism
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Withdrawn
Links
Classifications
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H05—ELECTRIC TECHNIQUES NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- H05B—ELECTRIC HEATING; ELECTRIC LIGHT SOURCES NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; CIRCUIT ARRANGEMENTS FOR ELECTRIC LIGHT SOURCES, IN GENERAL
- H05B3/00—Ohmic-resistance heating
- H05B3/20—Heating elements having extended surface area substantially in a two-dimensional plane, e.g. plate-heater
- H05B3/22—Heating elements having extended surface area substantially in a two-dimensional plane, e.g. plate-heater non-flexible
- H05B3/24—Heating elements having extended surface area substantially in a two-dimensional plane, e.g. plate-heater non-flexible heating conductor being self-supporting
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G06—COMPUTING; CALCULATING OR COUNTING
- G06V—IMAGE OR VIDEO RECOGNITION OR UNDERSTANDING
- G06V40/00—Recognition of biometric, human-related or animal-related patterns in image or video data
- G06V40/10—Human or animal bodies, e.g. vehicle occupants or pedestrians; Body parts, e.g. hands
- G06V40/12—Fingerprints or palmprints
- G06V40/13—Sensors therefor
Definitions
- the present invention is directed to the field of biometric image capturing.
- Biometrics is the science of biological characteristic analysis. Biometric imaging captures a measurable characteristic of a human being for identification of the particular individual (for example, a fingerprint). See, for example, Gary Roethenbaugh, Biometrics Explained, International Computer Security Association, Inc., pp. 1-34 (1998), which is incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.
- biometric image capturing technology includes electro-optical devices for obtaining biometric data -from a biometric object, such as, a finger, a palm, etc.
- the electro-optical device may be a fingerprint scanner, a palm scanner, or another type of biometric scanner. These scanners are also referred to as live print scanners. Live print scanners do not require the application of ink to a person's finger or palm. Instead, live print scanners may include a prism located in an optical path. A platen is used as the surface for receiving the biometric object. For example, with an optical fingerprint scanner, a finger is placed on the platen, and a camera detects an image of the fingerprint. The platen can be a surface of the prism or any other surface provided on the prism and in optical contact with the prism. The fingerprint image detected at the camera is comprised of relatively light and dark areas. These areas correspond to the valleys and ridges of the fingerprint.
- Live print scanners utilize the optical principle of total internal reflection
- TIR TIR
- the rays -from a light source internal to these optical scanners reach the platen at an incidence angle that causes all of the light rays to be reflected back. This occurs when the angle of incidence is equal to or greater than the critical angle, which is defined at least in part by the ratio of the two indices of refraction of the medium inside and above the surface of the platen.
- one or more fingers are placed on the platen for obtaining a fingerprint image. Ridges on a finger operate to alter the refraction index at the platen, thereby interrupting the TIR of the prism. This interruption in the TIR causes an optical image of the ridges and valleys of a fingerprint to be propagated through the receiving surface and captured by a camera internal to the device.
- Live fingerprint scanners are increasingly being called upon to operate in a variety of ambient conditions. These conditions can vary in temperature and humidity. Different conditions can affect the quality of a detected image. Also, the particular characteristics of an individual's finger (such as whether it is dry or oily) can affect detected image quality.
- the presence of moisture and/or fluids on the finger improves the quality of a detected fingerprint image.
- Excessive moisture and/or fluids on a finger can be undesirable.
- Excessive moisture and/or fluids may alter the refraction index at the receiving surface and interrupt the TIR of the prism in undesirable places on the receiving surface. This can degrade image quality.
- Excessive heat or cold at or near the platen surface can also degrade image quality.
- the present invention relates to a thermal assembly that is capable of increasing or decreasing the temperature of a biometric object receiving surface or platen of a biometric image capturing device.
- Thermal elements are thermally coupled to the image capturing prism to lower the temperature of the platen.
- Thermal elements are controlled to decrease the temperature of the platen.
- the thermal elements are used to heat the platen.
- heating the platen reduces or eliminates moisture and/or fluids around the area of the platen, where the biometric object is placed. Such reduction or elimination of excess moisture surrounding the biometric object on the platen prevents a halo effect from appearing in the detected print image.
- a controller controls each thermal element to cool or heat the platen.
- a controller supplies current to the thermal assembly in order to increase or decrease the temperature of the thermal elements.
- a temperature sensor attached to the controller detects temperature of the platen. If the temperature of the platen is above a certain threshold level, the temperature sensor sends a signal to the controller to supply current to the thermal assembly in order to increase the temperature of the platen. Increasing temperature of the platen will reduce or eliminate moisture and a resulting halo effect. If the temperature of the platen is below a certain threshold level, the temperature sensor sends a signal to the controller to supply current to the thermal assembly in order to decrease the temperature of the platen.
- the thermal elements such as Peltier elements
- the thermal elements are attached to the image capturing prism at locations where they do not affect the image illumination or fingerprint imaging.
- the thermal elements are located at the ends of the prism platen.
- the controller can be operated in a manual or automatic mode.
- a manual mode a user sets the controller to either a "cooling" or “heating” setting.
- the controller then controls the thermal assembly to cool or heat the platen accordingly.
- an automatic mode the controller automatically determines whether to cool or heat the platen based on detected ambient conditions (such as the ambient temperature and/or ambient humidity).
- FIG. 1 A is a diagram illustrating an assembly for capturing a biometric image according to an embodiment of the present invention.
- FIG. IB is a diagram illustrating a different view of the assembly shown in FIG. 1 A.
- FIG. 1C is a representation of a selector illustrated in FIG. lAthatcanbe used to select a mode of operation of the present invention.
- FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an embodiment of a thermal element attached to a surface of a prism according to an embodiment of the present invention shown in FIG. 1 A.
- FIG.3 is a flowchart diagram illustrating operation of the assembly of the present invention.
- FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating a transparent electrical heater assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention.
- FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating a transparent electrical heater assembly atop a prism according to an embodiment of the present invention.
- FIG. 1C is a representation of a selector illustrated in FIG. lAthatcanbe used to select a mode of operation of the present invention.
- FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an embodiment of a thermal element attached to a surface of a prism according to an embodiment of the present invention shown in FIG. 1 A.
- FIG.3 is a flowchart diagram
- FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating a transparent electrical heater assembly attached to an adjacent face of a prism according to an embodiment of the present invention.
- FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating a transparent heater assembly lodged between a removable finger receiving surface atop a prism according to an embodiment of the present invention.
- FIG.8 is a diagram illustrating a non-transparent heating device according to an embodiment of the present invention.
- FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating heat dispersion of the heating device of
- FIG. 8 according to an embodiment of the present invention.
- FIG. 10 is an exemplary circuit diagram of the heating device of FIG. 8 according to an embodiment of the present invention.
- FIG. 11 is a chart displaying the relationship between power states of the thermostat controller of FIG. 8 and heater assembly temperature according to an embodiment of the present invention.
- the features, obj ects, and advantages of the present invention will become more apparent from the detailed description set forth below when taken in conjunction with the drawings in which like reference characters identify corresponding elements throughout.
- like reference numbers generally indicate identical, functionally similar, and/or structurally similar elements.
- the drawing in which an element first appears is indicated by the leftmost digit(s) in the corresponding reference number.
- the present invention relates to systems and methods for capturing a biometric image using a live print scanning device. More specifically, the present invention relates to a live print scanner comprising an optical device coupled to a thermal assembly.
- the thermal assembly further comprises a controller.
- the controller is capable of either manually or automatically controlling temperature of the live print scanner's biometric object receiving surface or platen. In an embodiment, the controller can be used to adjust thermal states of the platen based on a variety of ambient conditions.
- finger refers to any digit on a hand including, but not limited to, a thumb, an index finger, middle finger, ring finger, or a pinky finger.
- live scan refers to a scan of any type of fingerprint, print on a portion of a foot and/or palm print image made by a print scanner.
- a live scan can include, but is not limited to, a scan of a finger, a finger roll, a flat finger, slap print of four fingers, thumb print, palm print, foot, toe, heal of hand or a combination of fingers, such as, sets of fingers and/or thumbs from one or more hands or one or more palms disposed on a platen.
- a flat print consists of a fingerprint image of a digit (finger or thumb) pressed flat against the platen.
- a roll print consists of an image of a digit (finger or thumb) made while the digit (finger or thumb) is rolled from one side of the digit to another side of the digit over the surface of the platen.
- a slap print consists of an image of four flat fingers pressed flat against the platen.
- a palm print involves pressing all or part of a palm upon the platen.
- a platen can be movable or stationary depending upon the particular type of scanner and the type of print being captured by the scanner.
- biometric imaging system refers to any type of scanner which can obtain an image of all or part of one or more fingers, palm's hands or feet in a live scan.
- the obtained images can be combined in any format including, but not limited to, an FBI, state, or international tenprint format.
- platen refers to a component that includes an imaging surface upon which at least one finger of, palm, or portion of a hand or foot is placed during a live scan.
- a platen can include, but is not limited to, a surface of an optical prism, set of prisms, or set of micro-prisms, or a surface of a silicone layer or other element disposed in optical contact with a surface of an optical prism, set of prisms, or set of micro-prisms. 3. Temperature Controlled Biometric Scanner.
- FIGS. 1 A and IB a live print scanning system according to an embodiment of the present invention is illustrated.
- FIG. 1A shows a perspective exploded view of an embodiment of the present invention.
- FIG. IB is another view of the embodiment shown in FIG. 1 A.
- a live print scanning assembly 100 is shown to have an image capturing prism 106 and a thermal assembly 160, where thermal assembly 160 comprises two thermal elements 102a and 102b, controller 110, selector 112, a temperature sensor 108 and an optional humidity sensor 113.
- thermal elements 102a and 102b are illustrative.
- the present invention is not limited to two thermal elements. In another embodiment, only one thermal element may be used. Alternatively, other embodiments of the present invention may have three or more thermal elements.
- thermal elements 102a and 102b are thermally coupled to image capturing prism 106.
- First thermal element 102a is thermally coupled to a first side 115a of image capturing prism 106.
- Second thermal element 102b is thermally coupled to a second side 115b of image capturing prism 106.
- First side 115a of image capturing prism 106 is shown to be opposite second side 115b of image capturing prism 106, thereby placing first thermal element 102a opposite second thermal element 102b. It is understood by one skilled in the art that any other arrangement of thermal elements 102a and 102b is possible. Also, FIG. 1A shows two thermal elements connected to image capturing prism 106, however, it is understood that any number of thermal elements can be connected to image capturing prism 106. Thermal elements 102a and 102b can be directly or indirectly attached and need only be thermally coupled to image capturing prism 106. Furthermore, image capturing prism 106 is not limited to the size and shape shown in FIG. 1 A. [0044] Connectors 120a and 120b connect thermal elements 102a and 102b to controller 110. Connector 120a connects thermal element 102a and controller 110. Similarly, connector 120b connects thermal element 102b and controller
- Connectors 120a and 120b can be attached by any viable means known in the art to the respective thermal elements and to controller 110. In one embodiment, connectors 120a and 120b can be soldered to appropriate circuit elements of respective thermal elements 102a and 102b, as well as appropriate circuit elements of controller 110.
- Temperature sensor 108 can be placed at or near image capturing prism
- temperature sensor 108 is used to detect the temperature of image capturing prism 106. In another embodiment, temperature sensor 108 is used to detect the temperature of the biometric object receiving surface or platen that can be attached to prism 106. Upon detection of temperature, temperature sensor 108 will feed the information to controller 110.
- the present invention's thermal assembly 160 comprises controller 110 and temperature sensor 108 (coupled to controller 110 and image capturing prism 106) to implement such change.
- a selector 112 is coupled to controller 110 via bus
- Selector 112 can be used to switch between modes of operation of the thermal assembly 160.
- selector 112 may switch thermal assembly 160 between a manual heating mode, a manual cooling mode, and an automatic heating/cooling mode. It is of course understood by one skilled in the art given this description that other modes of operation of thermal assembly 160 are possible.
- FIG. 1 C an embodiment of selector 112 is illustrated in more detail.
- Selector 112 comprises a selector switch 171 that changes the modes of operation of the thermal assembly 160.
- Selector 112 has a manual cooling mode 175 and a manual heating mode 177.
- Selector 112 also has an automatic heating/cooling mode 173.
- selector 112 has an off mode 179.
- thermal assembly 160 In an automatic heating/cooling mode, thermal assembly 160 will regulate its thermal state according to present ambient conditions. To automatically adjust temperature of platen 140, the user will shift selector switch 171 to automatic heating/cooling mode 173. Thermal assembly 160 will automatically control the temperature the platen 140.
- selector 112 is switched to the cooling mode. This is accomplished by shifting selector switch 171 to manual cooling mode 175. In this mode, the user is able to manually lower temperature of platen 140.
- the user may lower the temperature by leaving selector switch 171 in manual cooling mode 175.
- controller 110 will run current through thermal elements 102a and 102b, in a particular direction. Controller 110 can run current constantly or intermittently as needed based on detected temperature. By running current through thermal elements 102a and 102b this way, the temperature of platen 140 is lowered. When the current is running through thermal elements 102a and 102b in a particular manner, the side of each thermal element 102a and 102b adjacent to platen 140 becomes cold (as will be described below in more detail). By cooling sides of thermal elements 102a and 102b adj acent to platen 140, the temperature of platen 140 is decreased.
- the user in order to manually decrease the temperature of platen 140, the user may shift selector switch 171 into manual cold mode 175 and manually activate supply of current to thermal elements 102a and 102b from controller 110, whenever the temperature of platen 140 becomes unsuitable to the user.
- the user may use temperature data supplied by temperature sensor 108 to regulate supply of current to thermal elements 102a and 102b.
- thermal assembly 160 may have an optional monitor (not shown) that will display temperature of platen 140.
- thermal elements 102a and 102b may be used by thermal assembly 160 to lower the temperature of platen 140.
- first thermal element 102a is shown.
- the structure and operation of second thermal element 102b is similar to the structure and operation of first thermal element 102a.
- First thermal element 102a has a first portion 202 and a second portion 204.
- First portion 202 is coupled to second portion 204.
- a first side 116a of first thermal element 102a is an outer side of first portion 202 and a second side 117a of first thermal element 102a is the outer side of second portion 204.
- Thermal element 102a is constructed in a way so that if a current is passed through the thermal element one way, first portion 202 will start removing heat. At the same time, second portion 204 will absorb the amount of energy required to lower the temperature of first portion 202. By absorbing energy this way, the temperature of second portion 204 of thermal element 102a will rise.
- first portion 202 will start generating heat.
- second portion 204 of thermal element 102a will start removing heat.
- first portion 202 will absorb energy from second portion 204. This will increase temperature of first portion 202.
- second thermal element 102b is similar to the structure and operation of first thermal element 102a.
- thermal elements 102a and 102b may be Peltier elements.
- Peltier elements are bidirectional heating and cooling devices. When current is applied in one direction, the Peltier element acts as a cooling element (also called a heat sink) as it pumps heat out. When current is applied in the opposite direction, the Peltier element acts to generate heat. (B) Heating.
- the air in the microscopic vicinity of the fingerprint has a very high relative humidity. If the water contacts the surface of the prism, it will break the TIR of the prism. This interruption in the TIR causes an optical image of the water on the platen (e.g., a halo that is known in the relevant art as a halo effect) to be propagated through the platen and captured by a camera internal to the device. This interruption in the TIR results in an undesirable visible image of the water in the image of the biometric object.
- a halo that is known in the relevant art as a halo effect
- selector 112 is switched to the heating mode. This is accomplished by shifting selector switch 171 to manual heating mode 177. In this mode, the user is able to manually increase temperature of platen 140.
- the user may increase the temperature by leaving selector switch 171 in manual heating mode 177.
- controller 110 will run current through thermal elements 102a and 102b, in a direction opposite the current's direction in the cooling mode. Controller 110 can run current constantly or intermittently as needed based on detected temperature.
- thermal elements 102a and 102b become heating elements.
- the sides of thermal elements 102a and 102b adjacent to platen 140 have now increased in temperature. This is opposite of the cooling mode, where these sides were cooling platen 140.
- the temperature of platen 140 is increased.
- the user in order to manually increase the temperature of platen 140, the user may shift selector switch 171 into manual heating mode 177 and activate supply of current to thermal elements 102a and 102b from controller 110 whenever the temperature of platen 140 becomes undesirably low.
- the user may use temperature data supplied to the user by temperature sensor 108 to regulate supply of current to thermal elements 102a and 102b.
- thermal assembly 160 may have an optional monitor (not shown) that will display temperature of platen 140.
- the user may manually activate supply of current from controller 110 to thermal elements 102. As was discussed above, when current is supplied to thermal elements 102 in a direction opposite the direction of current in the cooling mode, the temperature of platen 140 is increased to the desired level.
- an optional humidity sensor 113 is shown.
- Humidity sensor 113 is coupled via bus 115 to controller 110. Sensor 113 detects humidity coefficient and sends the data to controller 110. A purpose of humidity sensor 113 is to provide additional information to controller 110. Upon increasing humidity, controller 110 may increase supply of current to thermal elements 102a and 102b, so as to further eliminate moisture from platen 140. Upon decreasing humidity, controller 110 may decrease supply of current to thermal elements 102a and 102b.
- Thermal elements 102a and 102b may be the same thermal elements that are used when cooling platen 140. However, separate thermal elements may be thermally coupled to platen 140 in order to heat the platen.
- the live print scanning system 100 can be modified to perform only heating of platen 140.
- FIGS.4-11 illustrate the heater assembly according to the heating only embodiment of the present invention.
- FIG.4 set forth is an illustration of one embodiment of a heater assembly of the present invention.
- the heater assembly may be attached to a top surface of a prism in an electro-optical fingerprint scanner.
- the heater assembly operates to counter the effect of the moisture surrounding the biometric object that results from excess moisture and/or fluids on an individual's finger that change the relative humidity around the area of the platen in which the finger is placed for imaging.
- Heater assembly 100 comprises a transparent conductive film 410, two electrically conductive bars 420 A and 420B, connectors 445 A and 445B, apower source 440, and a temperature sensor 108. Electrically conductive bars 420 A and 420B are similar to thermal elements 102a and 102b shown in FIG. 1A.
- Electrically conductive bar 420A is attached to a first edge of transparent conductive film 410.
- Electrically conductive bar 420B is attached to a second edge of transparent conductive film 410.
- Electrically conductive bars 420A and 420B are placed in a manner that allows electrical current to be dispersed throughout the entire transparent conductive film 410. In other words, the objective is to provide uniform density throughout transparent conductive film 410.
- conductive bars 420 A and 420B can also be placed on the top and bottom edges of the film to achieve uniform density in the film.
- Connectors 445A and 445B connect electrically conductive bars 420A and 420B to power source 440.
- One end of connector 445A connects to electrically conductive bar 420A, and the opposite end of connector 445A connects to power source 440.
- one end of connector 445B connects to electrically conductive bar 420B, and the opposite end of connector 445B connects to power source 440.
- Connectors 445A and 445B can be attached to the power source and electrically conductive bars 420A and 420B by any viable means known by those skilled in the art.
- the ends of connectors 445 A and 445B can be soldered to conductive bars 420A and 420B and power source 440.
- Temperature sensor 108 may be connected on or near transparent conductive film 410.
- temperature sensor 108 is used in conjunction with a control system to maintain a desired temperature in conductive film 410.
- the temperature sensor 108 is coupled to a control system (not shown in FIG. 4).
- the control system is coupled to power source 440.
- temperature sensor 108 may reside within power source 440.
- Transparent conductive film 410 generates heat to the biometric object receiving surface, such as a platen (as shown in FIG. 1A).
- Transparent conductive film 410 can be made of plastic, or any electrically conductive material known in the art.
- transparent conductive film 410 is comprised of a clear polyester substrate.
- transparent conductive film 410 is eighty percent transparent and is capable of operating at twenty ohms per square.
- Transparent conductive film 410 can be any viable shape.
- transparent conductive film 410 can be rectangular or circular. In the embodiment in which transparent conductive film 410 is circular, conductive bars 420 A and 420B are contoured to fit the outer edge of transparent conductive film 410.
- Electrically conductive bars 420A and 420B serve as contact points for connectors 445A and 445B.
- Electrically conductive bars 420A and 420B can be made of metal, copper, silver, or any other conductive material. Furthermore, it should be noted that electrically conductive bars 420A and 420B can be shaped into any pattern useful for attaching them to transparent conductive film 410.
- Connectors 445A and 445B transfer energy from power source 440 to transparent conductive film 410 via conductive bars 420 A and 420B .
- Connectors 445A and 445B can be electrical wires or any other channel for transporting energy.
- Temperature sensor 108 monitors the temperature of transparent conductive film 410.
- the above- referenced control system having been signaled by temperature sensor 108, automatically causes power source 440 to adjust its generation of power.
- temperature sensor 108 Upon sensing that the temperature in transparent conductive film 410 has gone below a specified level, temperature sensor 108 will notify the control system to cause power source 440 to generate enough power to cause the temperature to increase.
- FIG. 5 depicts transparent heater assembly 100 attached to a face of a prism 106.
- Heater assembly 100 can be attached to the face of prism 106 by any viable means known to one skilled in the pertinent art. Heater assembly 100 heats the face of prism 106 to prevent the formation and/or to remove excess moisture on the platen that surrounds the biometric object being imaged. This eliminates the halo effect that may occur in a captured image of the biometric object.
- Prism 106 is an optical device made of a light propagating material such as plastic, glass, or a combination thereof.
- the light propagating material is characterized by an index of refraction.
- Prism 106 is designed to utilize the optical principle of total internal reflection.
- the operation of a prism in a fingerprint scanner is further described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,467,403, to Fishbine et al, entitled "Portable Fingerprint Scanning Apparatus for Identification Verification" issued on November 14, 1995 to Digital Biometrics, Inc. and incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.
- Prism 106 is further described with respect to FIGS. 1 A-1C above.
- Transparent conductive film 410 is the only exposed element of heater assembly 100.
- Transparent conductive film 410 serves as the platen, and the biometric object rests directly on transparent conductive film 410 of heater assembly 100.
- Heated transparent conductive film 410 operates to counter the effect of nearby excessive moisture from the biometric object resting on its surface, thereby eliminating the halo effect.
- transparent conductive film 410 may be made disposable and eventually be discarded and replaced with a new transparent conductive film as mechanical wear becomes evident.
- heater assembly 100 is directly attached to the top surface of prism 106.
- the biometric object receiving surface for example, a glass or plastic platen
- the fingerprint being imaged is then placed on the platen for imaging.
- Heater assembly 100 heats the platen. When a finger is placed on the platen for image capture, the excess moisture is prevented from forming on the platen or is removed by the heat, thereby eliminating the halo effect that may appear in the captured image area.
- FIG. 6 depicts heater assembly 100 attached to an adjacent face 630 of prism 106.
- a biometric object rests on biometric object receiving surface 602 (e.g., the top of prism 106).
- attachment of heater assembly 100 to adjacent face 630 of prism 106 protects transparent conductive film 410 from the eventual tattering associated with its placement on the top surface of prism 106.
- transparent conductive film 410 is placed on adjacent face 630 of prism 106, the finger does not come into direct contact with transparent conductive film 410. As a result, the life of transparent conductive film 410 is increased.
- biometric object receiving surface 602 is the top surface of prism 106.
- biometric object receiving surface 602 is a silicone rubber sheet with optical quality, as described in U.S. Provisional Pat. Appl. Ser. No. 60/286,373, entitled “Silicone Rubber Surfaces for Biometric Print TIR Prisms", filed April 26, 2001, to Arnold et al, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. Biometric object receiving surface 602 allows the finger being imaged to rest on its surface.
- heater assembly 100 heats adjacent face 630 of prism 106.
- Heater assembly 100 heats adjacent face 630 of prism 106 to increase the temperature on the top surface of prism 106.
- the heat from the top surface of prism 106 causes the temperature of biometric object receiving surface 602 to rise.
- the excess moisture is prevented from forming on the biometric object receiving surface 602 or is evaporated, thereby eliminating the halo effect that may appear in the captured image of the finger.
- FIG. 7 depicts heater assembly 100 inserted between two silicone pads
- Silicone pad 720A and 720B Silicone pad 720B is attached to a top face of prism 106. Heater assembly 100 rests atop silicone pad 720B. Silicone pad 720A rests atop heater assembly 100. The biometric object (e.g., finger) to be imaged is placed on top of silicone pad 720A. In other words, silicone pad 720A serves as the platen. Heater assembly 100 heats silicone pad 720A to a specified temperature that prevents formation of excess moisture that results from a finger placed on silicone pad 720A, as described above.
- the biometric object e.g., finger
- Heating device 800 can provide heat or thermal energy to prism 106 and biometric object receiving surface 602.
- heating device 800 includes heater assemblies 805A, 805B, thermostat controller 810, and power distribution and transistor board 811.
- Heater assembly 805A includes conductor 806A and resistive heating element 807 A.
- heater assembly 805B includes conductor 806B and resistive heating element 807A (not shown in FIG. 8).
- Thermostat controller 810 is coupled to resistive heating element 807A and power distribution and transistor board 811.
- Power distribution and transistor board 811 is also coupled to each of the resistive heating elements 807A and 807B, as shown in FIG. 8 and to a power supply (not shown).
- Resistive heating elements 807A and 807B generate an amount of heat that depends upon the amount of power provided by power distribution and transistor board 811. Resistive heating elements 807A and 807B are thermally coupled to conductors 806A and 806B, respectively, so that the heat from the resistive heating elements 807A and 807B is conducted through conductors 806A and 806B to prism 106 and biometric object receiving surface 602.
- Each of the heater assemblies 805A and 805B can be directly coupled or placed in thermal contact with a respective end 801 A and 80 IB of prism 106 in a print scanner.
- conductor 806A of heater assembly 805 A can be coupled flush against a first end 801 A of the prism 106.
- the heater assembly 805B can be coupled flush against a second end 801 B of the prism 106.
- each of the conductors 806A and 806B is comprised of a heat conductive element such as copper, aluminum, or nickel, etc.
- a print scanner can be any type of optical print scanner such as a fingerprint scanner and/or palm print scanner.
- the heater assemblies 805 A and 805B operate to raise surface temperature near the biometric object receiving surface 602. This prevents water condensation from forming on the biometric object receiving surface 602. As a result, the above-referenced halo effect is prevented.
- FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating heat dispersion in a prism according to an embodiment of the present invention.
- FIG. 9 depicts heater assemblies 805 A, 805B and prism 106.
- the heater assembly 805 A generates a first set of energy waves 905A.
- the heater assembly 805B generates a second set of energy waves 905B.
- the energy waves 905A and 905B are dispersed throughout the prism 106, thereby increasing the temperature in prism 106 and biometric object receiving surface 602.
- the biometric object receiving surface 602 is heated to a temperature sufficient for preventing the formation of excess moisture on the platen near the biometric object. This improves the quality of images detected by the print scanner and results in prevention of the above- described halo effect.
- thermostat controller 810 regulates heating according to three states which include full power, half power, and no power (off).
- Thermostat controller 810 acts as a transducer and senses the temperature of heater assembly 805A.
- Thermostat controller 810 controls the amount of power provided by power distribution and transistor board 811 to each of the resistive heating elements 807A and 807B. Operation of the thermostat controller 810 is described below with respect to an example implementation (see FIGS. 10 and 11).
- FIG. 10 shows an example electrical circuit 1000 that can be provided on power distribution and transistor board 811 to couple thermostat controller 810 and resistive heating elements 807A and 807B.
- electrical circuit 1000 includes a bias voltage
- in-circuit protection fuse 1010 (+12V), in-circuit protection fuse 1010, and transistor Ql.
- Transistor Ql is coupled in series between resistive heating elements 807A and 807B.
- the bias provided to transistor Ql is controlled by two switches and thermostat controller 810. These two switches labeled SWl and SW2 are each coupled to the base of transistor Ql.
- Zener diode 1005 acts to maintain a constant bias voltage source for thermostat controller 810.
- In-circuit protection fuse 1010 is added to provide protection against excessive currents being drawn by resistive heating elements 807A and 807B in an overheating condition or circuit failure.
- FIG. 11 displays relationships between states and other various elements of the heating device 800.
- thermostat controller 810 senses the temperature of heater assembly 805 A. Switches SWl and SW2 are switched on and off depending upon whether the sensed temperature has reached respective first and second thresholds. Switch SWl has a first threshold that corresponds to a temperature greater than or equal to 115.5°F. Switch SW2 is switched on or off depending upon a second threshold temperature greater than or equal to 121 °F. As shown in FIG. 11, in an initial state where the temperature of heater assembly 805A is less than 115.5 °F, both switches SWl and SW2 are in an off state.
- the transistor Ql is fully saturated and full power is provided across resistive heating elements 807A and 807B.
- the resistance of resistive heating element 807 A has a resistance value Rl equal to approximately 20 Ohms.
- the resistance value of a second resistive heating element 807B is denoted by a value R2 equal to approximately 20 Ohms. Because the resistive heating elements 807A and 807B are arranged in series, each resistive heating element emits the same heating power. In the full power state, the combined power of the heating elements is about 3.7 Watts according to one example of the present invention.
- thermostat controller switch SWl is turned on while SW2 remains off. This changes the bias provided to transistor Ql and cuts the overall power across resistive heating elements 807A and 807B in half.
- a second threshold greater than or equal to 121 °F
- both of the switches SWl and SW2 are turned on. In this condition, the transistor Ql is turned off and zero power is provided across resistive heating element 807 A and 807B.
- the present invention is not limited to two thresholds. Additional thresholds can be used if more fine control of heating as a function of heater assembly 805A temperature is desired.
- thermostat controller 810 can be omitted entirely so that a constant heating power is provided, regardless of temperature changes.
- thermostat controller 810 can be operated using only one switch and one threshold if a more simple control of heating power is desired.
- the threshold values 115.5°F and 121 °F are illustrative values used in one preferred embodiment of the present invention. Other temperature values can be used as will become apparent to a person skilled in the relevant art given the description of the present invention. (C) Automatic Control.
- thermal assembly 160 is capable of operating in an automatic heating/cooling mode 173. In this mode, thermal assembly 160 is capable of automatically controlling either heating or cooling of platen 140. Thermal assembly 160 will heat platen 140 when moisture is present. Thermal assembly 160 will cool platen 140 when the surrounding ambient conditions are hot and dry.
- the thermal assembly 160 needs to be switched to automatic heating/cooling mode 173, as shown in FIG. 1C.
- Selector switch 171 is shifted into position 173.
- thermal assembly 160 will heat platen 140 when the temperature of platen 140 drops below a low or first threshold level. Likewise, thermal assembly 160 will cool platen 140 when the temperature of platen 140 rises above a high or second threshold level. It is understood by one skilled in the relevant art that in both heating and cooling, a range of temperature thresholds may be preset below or above which thermal assembly 160 would appropriately respond. In another embodiment, a user may set up a plurality of temperature thresholds, whereupon reaching each threshold thermal assembly 160 would make appropriate adjustments in the temperature of platen 140.
- temperature sensor 108 coupled to controller 110 via bus 116 detects the temperature of platen 140.
- Temperature sensor 108 detects new temperature of platen 140 and sends the data to controller 110.
- controller 110 will act to either increase or decrease the temperature of platen 140. If the temperature of platen 140 has reached the high threshold, then controller 110 will direct the current via connectors 120a and 120b to thermal elements 102a and 102b, respectively, in a direction opposite the current's direction in the heating mode. Thermal elements 102a and 102b will act as platen coolers and lower temperature of platen 140, as was described above.
- controller 110 will direct the current via connectors 120a and 120b to thermal elements 102a and 102b, respectively, in a direction opposite current's direction in the cooling mode.
- Thermal elements 102a and 102b will act as platen heaters and raise the temperature of platen 140, as was described above.
- Temperature sensor 108 detects the temperature ofplaten 140 and thermal elements 102a and 102b via respective busses 116 and 118.
- controller 110 adjusts its generation of current to thermal elements 102a and 102b.
- controller 110 Upon sensing that the temperature of platen 140 has gone above a specified level, controller 110 generates enough power to cause the temperature to decrease.
- first sides 116a and 116b of first and second thermal elements 102a and 102b, respectively, become hot. This is achieved when controller 110 is passing current through the connectors 120a and 120b in a direction opposite the direction, when cooling image capturing prism 106. By having thermal elements 102a and 102b apply heat to image capturing prism 106, the temperature ofplaten 140 is increased.
- the automatic control of heating/cooling in the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above.
- the above-described embodiments operate with two thermal elements 102a and 102b coupled to platen 140 of image capturing prism 106. However, it is understood that at least one thermal element is needed to heat or cool platen 140.
- the folio wing is a description of how thermal elements 102aand 102bare coupled to platen 140 in a particular embodiment.
- the present invention uses two thermal elements 102a and 102b to uniformly increase or decrease the temperature ofplaten 140.
- thermal elements 102a and 102b are thermally coupled to platen 140.
- at least one thermal element is necessary to increase or decrease the temperature of the platen.
- first thermal element 102a has first side
- First side 116a of thermal element 102a is an inner side with respect to image capturing prism 106 (or platen 140). First side 116a is coupled to first side 115a of image capturing prism 106 (or platen 140). Second side 117a of thermal element 102a is an outer side with respect to image capturing prism 106 (or platen 140). Connector 120a connects controller 110 and second side 117a. First side 116a of thermal element 102a is attached to first side 115a of image capturing prism 106 (or platen 140) by any conventionally known means. In one example, such means may be epoxy or other adhesive elements.
- thermal element 102b has a first side 116b and a second side
- First side 116b of thermal element 102b is an inner side with respect to image capturing prism 106 (or platen 140). First side 116b is attached to second side 115b of image capturing prism 106 (or platen 140). Second side 117b of thermal element 102b is an outer side with respect to image capturing prism 106 (or platen 140). Connector 120b connects controller 110 and second side 117b. First side 116b of thermal element 102b is attached to second side 115b of image capturing prism 106 (or platen 140) by any conventionally known means. In one example, such means may be epoxy or other adhesive elements.
- the image capturing prism 106 is an optical device made of a light propagating material such as plastic, glass, or a combination thereof.
- the light propagating material is characterized by an index of refraction.
- Prism 106 is designed to utilize the optical principle of total internal reflection. The operation of a prism in a fingerprint scanner is further described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,467,403, to Fishbine et al, entitled "Portable Fingerprint Scanning Apparatus for Identification Verification" issued on November 14, 1995 to Digital Biometrics, Inc. and incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.
- a method 300 for changing temperature ofplaten 140 is illustrated.
- a biometric object to be scanned is provided (e.g., a finger).
- the biometric object is then applied to platen 140 of image capturing prism 106.
- the biometric object may be placed atop of laten 140.
- Platen 140 can be a top surface of image capturing prism 106.
- platen 140 may be a protective cover placed in optical contact with a surface of image capturing prism 106.
- step 306 method 300 proceeds to detect the temperature ofplaten 140 using temperature sensor 108. Temperature sensor 108 sends the temperature data to controller 110. Controller 110 runs the current in one direction when there is a need to cool image capturing prism 106 and/or platen 140. Controller 110 runs the current in the other direction when there is a need to heat platen 140.
- step 308 if the conditions surrounding platen 140 are hot and dry, then there is a need to decrease temperature ofplaten 140. By decreasing the temperature ofplaten 140, image capturing prism 106 is not overheated.
- controller 110 will generate current in order to decrease the temperature of laten 140.
- the current is sent via connectors 120a and 120b to thermal elements 102a and 102b, respectively. Here the current is sent in a particular direction. Because, there is a need to decrease the temperature ofplaten 140, thermal elements 102a and 102b will remove heat.
- step 310 if an excess moisture is present on the biometric object and/or platen 140, there is a need to increase the temperature of platen 140. By increasing the temperature ofplaten 140, the excess moisture is evaporated. By eliminating the excess moisture, the halo effect is reduced.
- controller 110 will generate current in order to increase the temperature ofplaten 140.
- the current is sent via connectors 120a and 120b to thermal elements 102a and 102b, respectively.
- the current is sent in a direction opposite the current's direction when image capturing prism 106 or platen 140 need to be cooled. Because, there is a need to increase the temperature ofplaten 140, thermal elements 102a and 102b will generate heat.
- the present invention is not limited to a single temperature threshold in the case of either heating and/or cooling platen 140. Additional thresholds can be used if more fine control of heating and/or cooling is desired. In another embodiment, temperature sensor 108 can be omitted entirely so that a constant heating and/or constant cooling of the biometric object receiving surface is provided, regardless of temperature changes. Finally, the threshold values of temperature values for heating and cooling can be set as desired, as will become apparent to a person skilled in the relevant art given the description of the present invention. [0125] Furthermore, it is understood by a person skilled in the relevant art, that controller 110 can have a current source and a switching circuit. The switching circuit would control direction of the current supplied to thermal elements 102a and 102b via connectors 120a and 120b. Other embodiments of the controller 110 are possible and may be implemented as desired.
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- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
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- Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
- General Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
- Multimedia (AREA)
- Theoretical Computer Science (AREA)
- Image Input (AREA)
- Measurement Of The Respiration, Hearing Ability, Form, And Blood Characteristics Of Living Organisms (AREA)
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Abstract
Description
Claims
Applications Claiming Priority (7)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
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US33124701P | 2001-11-13 | 2001-11-13 | |
US331247P | 2001-11-13 | ||
US47983 | 2002-01-17 | ||
US10/047,983 US6809303B2 (en) | 2001-11-13 | 2002-01-17 | Platen heaters for biometric image capturing devices |
US235665 | 2002-09-06 | ||
US10/235,665 US6872916B2 (en) | 2001-11-13 | 2002-09-06 | System and method for biometric image capturing |
PCT/US2002/036281 WO2003056514A2 (en) | 2001-11-13 | 2002-11-13 | System and method for biometric image capturing |
Publications (2)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
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EP1454296A2 true EP1454296A2 (en) | 2004-09-08 |
EP1454296A4 EP1454296A4 (en) | 2006-02-08 |
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EP02803311A Withdrawn EP1454296A4 (en) | 2001-11-13 | 2002-11-13 | System and method for biometric image capturing |
Country Status (5)
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US (1) | US6872916B2 (en) |
EP (1) | EP1454296A4 (en) |
JP (1) | JP2005514687A (en) |
AU (1) | AU2002365159A1 (en) |
WO (1) | WO2003056514A2 (en) |
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US6632512B1 (en) * | 1999-11-10 | 2003-10-14 | Ibiden Co., Ltd. | Ceramic substrate |
US6809303B2 (en) * | 2001-11-13 | 2004-10-26 | Cross Match Technologies, Inc. | Platen heaters for biometric image capturing devices |
WO2003063054A2 (en) * | 2002-01-17 | 2003-07-31 | Cross Match Technologies, Inc. | Fingerprint workstation and methods |
US7181048B2 (en) * | 2002-06-28 | 2007-02-20 | Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P. | Biometric capture adapter for digital imaging devices |
EP1530949B1 (en) * | 2002-09-13 | 2010-11-10 | Fujitsu Limited | Biosensing instrument and method and identifying device having biosensing function |
KR20040105107A (en) * | 2003-06-05 | 2004-12-14 | 현대자동차주식회사 | An apparatus for controlling temperature of a fingerprint sensor for a vehicle |
DE102004032000A1 (en) * | 2004-06-25 | 2006-01-19 | Smiths Heimann Biometrics Gmbh | Arrangement for generating fingerprints for optoelectronic image recording |
US20060293891A1 (en) * | 2005-06-22 | 2006-12-28 | Jan Pathuel | Biometric control systems and associated methods of use |
US20090116699A1 (en) * | 2007-11-02 | 2009-05-07 | Turek Joseph J | Temperature stabilization of biometric devices |
JP4693192B1 (en) | 2010-04-28 | 2011-06-01 | エンパイア テクノロジー ディベロップメント エルエルシー | Fingerprint authentication apparatus and fingerprint authentication method |
CN109460741B (en) * | 2018-11-16 | 2024-01-23 | 青岛奥美克生物信息科技有限公司 | Biological recognition image quality improving device |
CN109389103B (en) * | 2018-11-30 | 2021-03-12 | 青岛奥美克生物信息科技有限公司 | Biological identification image acquisition device |
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AU2002365159A1 (en) | 2003-07-15 |
US20030089703A1 (en) | 2003-05-15 |
JP2005514687A (en) | 2005-05-19 |
US6872916B2 (en) | 2005-03-29 |
WO2003056514A3 (en) | 2003-12-04 |
WO2003056514A9 (en) | 2003-11-06 |
EP1454296A4 (en) | 2006-02-08 |
WO2003056514A2 (en) | 2003-07-10 |
AU2002365159A8 (en) | 2003-07-15 |
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